Page 22 of Misconducts & Temptation

Stephanie’s eyes flicked in my direction, her laughter stopping abruptly. She did a double take, recognition sparking in her gaze.

Panic surged through me. I ducked behind a couple engrossed in their conversation, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure it would give me away. That was too close.

Peering around the couple’s shoulders, I saw Stephanie scanning the crowd. Annabelle tugged at her arm, impatient to move on. They turned away after a moment that felt like an eternity.

I let out a shaky breath, slipping further into the sea of faces. Each step took me closer to the exit and away from their scrutinizing eyes.

I stepped out of the room, heart still racing, and nearly collided with my stepmother, Marion. She was deep in conversation with two men, gesturing animatedly.

"With your investment," she said, her voice dripping with false charm, "we can ensure a profitable return within the first quarter."

The men nodded, clearly interested.

I couldn't let her see me. Not without my mask. I had no idea why she was talking to those men when she had no money to offer and a simple cleaning business, but it must have to do with her affiliation with William.

I turned sharply, my mind racing. If Marion was here, it meant they’d be leaving soon. I had to get back home before them or face the inevitable punishment. The thought of their wrath made my stomach churn.

Keeping my head down, I navigated through the crowd, aiming for a hallway that led to a side exit. The hallway was dimly lit and mostly empty—my best chance of slipping away unnoticed.

The cold air hit me like a slap when I stepped outside. I shivered but welcomed the chill; it was better than the oppressive heat inside. The Uber app on my phone showed the driver waiting around the corner of the hotel.

Grateful for my decision to wear flats, I hurried around the building. The pavement was slick from an earlier rain, and I had to watch my step to avoid slipping.

Each breath sent plumes of mist into the night air as I rounded the corner. There it was—the black sedan idling by the curb. Freedom.

I quickened my pace, glancing over my shoulder one last time to make sure no one had followed me. I slid into the backseat, shutting the door quickly behind me. The car pulled away just as I glanced back through the rear window. My stepmother and stepsisters stepped out of the building, their laughter echoing in the cold night air.

“Good evening,” the driver greeted me, glancing at me in the rearview mirror. He was middle-aged with kind eyes that crinkled when he smiled.

“Evening,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

“You coming from a party?” he asked, steering us onto the main road.

“Yeah,” I said, turning to look out the window. My eyes kept darting back to see if Marion, Stephanie, or Annabelle were in pursuit.

“You must be tired,” he continued, his tone conversational.

I nodded absently, still peering out the rear window. “Just a bit.”

“You know, it’s funny,” he said with a chuckle. “You look like you’re in a fairy tale with that dress.”

I forced a smile, my mind not really registering his words. “Thanks.”

The driver glanced at me again. “You all right?”

“Just tired,” I practically screeched, startling myself with the sharpness of my voice.

He seemed taken aback but didn’t push further. The drive felt like forever, each minute dragging as we moved through the quiet streets. The rhythmic hum of the tires against the asphalt did little to calm my racing thoughts.

Every time we stopped at a red light or slowed for traffic, my heart pounded in my chest. The possibility of seeing my stepmother’s car in our wake made me sick with worry. I kept checking behind us, half-expecting to see Marion’s stern face peering through another windshield.

The city lights blurred past as we continued driving. I tried to focus on anything but my rising panic—the neon signs flashing by, pedestrians huddling against the cold—but it was no use.

Finally, we turned onto a quieter street leading toward home. The tension in my shoulders began to ease just a fraction. Each familiar landmark brought me closer to safety and further from the party’s oppressive atmosphere.

The driver pulled up in front of my house and glanced back at me one last time. “Take care,” he said kindly.

I nodded gratefully before stepping out into the night air once more.

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